Business profile: RV Supplies

If you own a motorhome or you’ve travelled by one, chances are you’ve used one of the hundreds of products distributed by RV Supplies Limited—New Zealand’s biggest RV trade distributor.

The business imports its massive range from trusted suppliers around the world

With its foundations in the late 1990s, RV Supplies’ managing director and owner Kevin Newton took over the business in 2008. He explains the aim of the business is simple: "To offer the best choice, best prices, and best service."

The business imports its massive range from trusted suppliers around the world. This means they can buy direct and offer the best value on well-known brands such as Thule (RV), Suburban, Milenco, Kronings, Valterra, and Vango, and its latest addition, Truma.

New relationship with Truma

Truma is a globally recognised brand in the RV industry

Late last month, RV Supplies announced it had confirmed its appointment to represent Truma in the New Zealand market. Recognised globally as a leading provider of appliances to the RV and associated industries, Truma are pioneers in the development of heating equipment, with their air heating products being the principal choice of manufacturers in the European market for more than 30 years.

"We’re delighted, as a New Zealand-owned and operated company, to have secured this new business relationship with one of the most iconic RV brands in the world," Kevin says.

"It underlines the regard with which RV Supplies is now held in the global RV market and confirms our position as the foremost business of our kind in New Zealand."In Australia, Truma products will be distributed by a new entity called Leisure Tec Pty Limited who will work closely with RV Supplies Limited on a range of new initiatives and other product developments.

"A strategic alliance with Leisure Tec in Australia will also afford us further new product opportunities, and, most importantly, provide us with a new and reliable channel of distribution in Australia for a number of the product streams we already possess."

Going big

Kevin Newton

Since we last caught up with Kevin in 2016, the business has moved to larger premises in Tasman Road in Hamilton.

The new premises provide the business with a massive amount of much-needed storage space, all of which is being well utilised with the wide range of products—from bike racks and awnings to air conditioning units and fridges—that are used in motorhome builds and stock the retail shelves of RV dealers around the country. "That’s the problem with a bigger warehouse; you tend to fill it!" Kevin says.

"One of our successes has been the ability to supply, and you can’t sell it if you don’t have it on the shelves to sell. It’s one of the reasons why we’ve grown and grabbed market share."

A selection of the range of hobs and sinks on offer

Kevin has also recently appointed a new marketing coordinator, Hollie Dooman, who recently moved to Raglan from Wellington and has a solid background in marketing both in New Zealand and abroad.

"I love the RV industry; it’s constantly evolving and has a very exciting, positive buzz about it," she says.

From solar panels to toilet and waste treatment, RV Supplies stocks a great range of accessories

One of Hollie’s priorities will be working on the business website and online presence. "We’re seeing a huge uptake in the level of trade orders received through our website, so we’re investing heavily in making that process as streamlined as possible," she says.

MY COOLMAN AC/DC Fridge and Freezer

The new My COOLMAN fridge freezer

At the Auckland on the Water Boat Show late last month, RV Supplies held the global launch of seven models from the My COOLMAN AC/DC Fridge Freezer chilly-bin range. The high-quality, German-designed chilly-bins range from 36 to 105 litres, two of which feature dual zone technology, allowing you to simultaneously cool and freeze. Not only are the bins smart-looking they also have a Bluetooth app that lets you control and monitor the temperature from anywhere.

Evoke Adventure Series TVs

The Evoke Adventure Series TV is proving hugely popular

One of the popular additions to the RV Supplies product range has been the Evoke Adventure Series TVs, which are designed by New Zealand’s largest TV development company.

Officially endorsed and licensed by Freeview, all updates are done automatically, which means viewers don’t need to mess around with USBs or downloads. The TVs also include a built-in DVD, plus satellite and UHF tuners that let viewers tune into Freeview from anywhere in the country.

Kevin says the range has been a massive success and has exceeded his expectations in every way.

"I knew there was a market for what we were offered by the development company, but I had no idea it was as big as it is," Kevin says. "It’s the biggest selling TV in the market in New Zealand. We are selling more of that TV than any other brand in the country."

A thriving industry

RV Supplies will be at the Covi show in Auckland next year

With more than three decades in the industry, Kevin has seen huge changes in the industry and says the growth over recent years has been phenomenal.

"Increasing numbers of homeowners are selling up and realising their dream of travelling around New Zealand by motorhome," he says.

"It’s very exciting to be part of such a positive industry that is truly thriving, and we’re looking forward to seeing that continue in the coming years."